CASPER, Wyo. — Inga McCoy, a Kelly Walsh High School teacher, has been named the 2019 Wyoming History Teacher of the Year. This annual award is presented by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, an organization dedicated to K-12 American history education.
The History Teacher of the Year Award honors one American history teacher from each state. A National History Teacher of the Year will then be chosen from all of the state winners this fall.
“My first reaction was disbelief because there are so many talented history teachers in Wyoming. I had to read the email notification twice before it sunk in,” McCoy recalls, “It is an honor to be recognized.”
The Kelly Walsh teacher earned Bachelor’s degrees in History and Social Studies Education at the University of
According to the organization, “McCoy’s passion for history is grounded in the human stories that make history relevant to students… She inspires students to see how history affects today’s world. When students leave her classroom they have not only learned valuable information but have also learned the value of multiple perspectives.”
“My favorite thing about teaching is the opportunity to work with students,” McCoy says. “Educators help teach the future generation. I love being a part of that.”
Inga McCoy will receive a $1,000 honorarium and recognition at a ceremony in Wyoming. Kelly Walsh will receive an archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials.
Students, parents, and colleagues may now nominate K-12 teachers for the 2020 History Teacher of the Year award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The deadline for 2019 nominations is March 31, 2020.
